New Boy Scout Merit Badges Include Geocaching

(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/2U1Lp)
Geocaching has provided a fun way to amuse and challenge those who use it.  Specific groups of people who travel and have a common interest (for example, RV owners or motorcycle enthusiasts) are use geocaching for fun.  But, anyone with a GPS navigation device can get in on the ‘game.’

[caption id="attachment_5094" align="alignright" width="408" caption="Geocaching & Scouting"][/caption]

Now, the Boy Scouts are offering a new merit badge that includes geocaching.  And, for good reason; it promotes many of their goals and fits in nicely with other scouting activities.

Here is a list of things that will be promoted by the scouts with geocaching:

Promote safety while searching for geocaches.

Enforcing the principle of Leave No Trace while promoting geocaching etiquette.

Learning and understanding geocaching terms.

Learning and understanding how GPS Tracking technology works.

The proper steps for discovering and logging a cache.

Learning how to use www.geocaching.com (the official home of geocaching).

In addition to this, scouts will create and hide their own geocaches.  This will allow other scouts and even the general public to benefit from their activities.

How it works:

Geocaching provides a way for people to use GPS navigation devices in their vehicles to play the old game of ‘scavenger hunting’ in a new and exciting way.  Since this game has been on-going for several years now, there are plenty of hidden caches that can be discovered.

Obtain a GPS navigation device.  You need to buy a navigation device in order to be able to find caches.  Could you do this on the Internet and then print out maps?  Yes, you can, but once you are out trying to find the cache, you have no way of clarifying your search.

Go to the website mentioned above and create an account.  Once you are a member, you can begin to search for caches in your area.  Or, if you prefer not to sign up, you can find caches by inputting your zip code.

Then, enter the coordinates in your GPS navigation unit and go have fun!  Once you find a cache, you can take something out of it as long as you replace it with something of equal or greater value.

When you return from your ‘hunt’ you can sign onto the geocaching website and log your experience.

The educational value must not be overlooked here.  Many caches include information about the area in which they are hidden which encourages people to discover more about the places in which they play.

Geocaching is not only fun, it provides a way for people to use their time wisely compared to sitting in front of a television.  And that is a value all its own.